Aubree's Running Blog

I didn't know if I was going to get my run in today, but my neighbor offered to watch the girls while I went out at 4:40 this afternoon.  It was a beautiful 77 degrees.  I ran pretty quick to the good songs on my ipod.  I had to turn around when I saw some druggies on the path.  I felt really good today, a little sluggish the last mile or so.

I guess it's becoming routine to do afternoon runs.  Craig got off early so we made it a family affair.  Addy and Craig rode bikes (with Hope in the rear seat for the 1st time!...she was absolutely enthused, then fell asleep 5 min. into the ride.  I ran stop and go for the first 4 miles with a few back and forth wind sprints (going back to get Addy).  Then I ran 2 quick miles on my own while Craig went home to make dinner--you can't beat that!  I felt really good running today, glad I got it in!

So much for a long run, eh?  I was not in the mood for running...neither was Hope.  I got on the treadmill and started to go crazy at 2 miles, so I eliptilized for another .75 mi, then we had both had it.  I think I need to get more sleep.  I'm just dragging today

On a more positive note, Craig fixed up the old running stroller this evening! It has new tires,  and it's sparkly and clean.  I'm excited to take Hope for a run in it!

Hooray for a running partner!  Although our schedules don't always coincide, Kristy and I ran today with 3 kiddos in tow.  I don't know if you can call them "easy miles" when you're pushing 80 plus lbs. and juggling bottles and treats...but they weren't the fastest of miles! We are going to attempt a long run tomorrow...10 or 11.  I'm looking forward to it!

It was freezing today!  (Am I allowed to say that?).  Sorry for all those of you who have to brave the weather constantly.  It was windy and  partly overcast.  I ran with Kristy again, she had to push her 2 little ones.  The first 5 miles out was not too bad, it got cold on the way home and the kids had had it.  So we really only ran the first 6, then walked while trying to console and keep babies warm.  Too bad we did an out and back, there was no short cut home.  So we finally made it!  I'll try and do another long run on Saturday.  

We went on a leisurely bike ride when Craig got home from work.  Addy can now ride her bike, so we decided to take her on a little more advanced course--there is a sidewalk that runs through the middle of a pond/fountain on campus....yeah, she ended up in the pond.

No running today. I'm a slacker. 

I did some speed-work on the the treadmill. 

3 X 800

2 X 1 mi.

6:07-6:15 pace.

Felt good, rejuvenating.  

A little cool down bike ride to Carmel Park. 

Hope and I hiked at Thunderbird park.  That's what I used to do when I was prego with her.  We would drop off Addy at preschool, then hike up the mountain and back down again, then go pick her up.  It was a little tougher with her outside the womb, she was more squirmy and she got hungry....We still had fun and it was a beautiful day!

(Don't know the exact mileage, I'll track it next time:)

Ran with Kristy.  It went much quicker than with the kids.  Out and back on Skunk trail.  Felt great!  Always good when you want to keep going after it's over....had to get home for Craig to go mountain biking though.

Was in my running clothes about ready to go when Addy crashed on her bike and had to get stitches.  She's ok, Daddy fixed her all up.

I finally did it!  I got up early on my own accord and went running before Craig had to leave for his rotation.  It's nice to run without a stroller or chitlens running around the treadmill.  

Did out and back course to Northern Lakes.  Took it easy on way out due to epigastric pain and head wind, but booked it back to get home in time for Craig to leave.  Should have gotten up a little earlier so I could get more miles in.  Oh well...this is better than usual!

22 min. out

17.5 min back

I'm 2 for  2 getting up to run before Craig leaves!

Ran out and back on Sk. Trail.  I lent my GPS to a friend so I don't know exactly how far or fast I went.

I ran out for 28 minutes and back for 26.  I think it was just over 6 miles??  I felt a little more sluggish than usual.  I need more sleep!

I did Biggest Loser Boot Camp at the church with some ladies.  It was a good workout.  I'll be feeling it tomorrow:)

Thought I'd get in a few easy miles before the 1/2 tomorrow.  It was a little painful, boot camp beat me up yesterday!  It didn't help much to run with a stroller with a flat tire.  Addy rode her bike alongside, so it was a little stop and go.  Glad to loosen up a little though.

Don't know if I'll push it too hard tomorrow.  Running with friends, not meant to be a competitive race.  My friend and visiting teacher organized the race for her b-day.  I think it's a great birthday event!  I'm excited, it should be fun.

(I shouldn't have made those chocolate chip cookies last night, I think I ate my weight gain worth of dough...)

Happy Birthday Taralee!  Thank you for letting me be a part of your birthday celebration of pounding the pavement!!  Sorry to those of you I led astray.  Our 13.1 ended up being 14.2 because I took a little detour off the course....oops!

My time after 13.1 was 1:53, with a finishing time of 2:01.

It was a beautiful day for a race.  Craig was such a support, he and Addy rode their bikes to strategic places along the course to cheer, play music, and give liquids.  When I thanked him he said, "I'm just like a jock strap, always lending support"...that's my husband.

Biked for about 30 minutes, got close to 8 miles, I think.  Lacking motivation to run.  I need an event!

Easy run to the park with the fam.

Ran to playgroup and back.

I only had 30 minutes to get a run in.  I booked it and did 4 miles in 29:38.

It felt fast.

Another quick 4.  I've really got to up my mileage next week!

I did the Sk. Cr. trail to 51st and back.

Did 45 min. of Tae Bo.  Felt good to work everything.

I ate too many Valentine treats!  

I'm going to train as though I'm doing the SLC marathon.  Christi wants to do it.  Hope I can do it too!

Ran out and back along Fantasy...stopped to see Christi's new cute house:)  Craig almost called the cops cause he thought I was gone too long.  Woops!  Sorry Craig.

Ran in the afternoon.  It was warm! Did trail loop to 51st and loop around duck pond.  

1 hr. TaeBo.

6-6:30 Floor work (abs, glut) with Liora

6:30-7:30 Ran out and back to Northern Lakes with Christi.

Did some wind sprints at the end.

Ran 1 mile with Liora.  Did Ab ripper not 100, not 200, but ab ripper 360X!  I'll be feeling it tomorrow.!

Then ran 4.5 miles with Christi, duck pond loop.

Ran 1, walked 1 mile in the AM with Liora.

Did a long run with Christi in the PM, ran out and back Utopia to Bell, around northern lakes, down 51st to s.c. trail.  Felt good. Abt 10 min. pace.

Craig almost sent out the posse to look for me.  Took a little longer than expected.... 

Abs 360X at 6AM.  It was hard to get up after having a 24 (Jack Bauer) marathon the night before with Craig...worth it though.

Mile 1: Ran with Liora 12:17

Mile 2: 8:00

Mile 3: 6:45

Mile 4: 7:15

Mile 5: 6:20 

Ran in the afternoon with mom.  Grandma and Grandpa watched the girls while we ran.  It's so nice having loving people to watch the kiddos while running!

Ran heights loop with mom.  It was nice, we kept a good pace.  Mom used her Nike foot chip to track our distance.

Ran the canyon with Amber, Nicholle and Keri.  It was beautiful, invigorating, and fun!

Avg pace down: 7:01

Avg overall pace: 8:19 

We slept in as my mom and I were up til 2 driving to Phx.  Boy I'm tired.

Abs 360X and a 1 mile run with Liora.

Ran 2 miles in the AM with Liora.

Ran the rest with Christi in the evening.  She moved:( so it's not as convenient to run with her.  But we met in the middle and it was fun!  We talked about scary movies so when I was on my lonely sojourn home I sprinted because I was a little freaked out...everything seemed suspicious to me!  But I made it safe and sound.

Tried to squeeze in a speed workout on the treadmill....but someone was on the treadmill so I was really circulating on the eliptical....until Addy got bored and Hope restless.  About 20 minutes was all I could muster before going to a b-day party and overindulging on cake.

1.5 jog

.5 walk.

Getting Liora ready for the 5K.  She's doing great!

It's tricky to get a decent run in with Craig's schedule the way it is.  He leaves between 4:30 and 5:30 with overnight call once a week.  I feel bad leaving just as he gets home to go running when I only have limited time to see him.  But today my good neighbor and friend Liora watched over the girls so I could go for a run.  It was fantastic! 

I planned to run out 3 and back 3, but I made a loop of it and it ended up being 7.  I averaged about 8 min./miles.  It was another invigorating run.  Now I can go take on the day!

Ran with Christi this morning.  Pushed Hope in the stroller with a bum tire.  I've got to get that fixed!  

Running felt good.  We took a slow, easy pace. 

May go a couple more with Liora this afternoon.

Had to run to the golf course to get the car.  It got locked in the gate yesterday!

Walked and jogged a million miles at Disneyland!!

Ran 5 miles on the beach just after eating pizza and a pazooki platter.  Yummy!  Not so good on the belly while running though.

Walked/jogged a BILLION miles at Disneyland.  Wish I had my garmin on then...I bet we did a marathon....!!!

Ab ripper X!!

Pushed Hope in the bum stroller.  Ran the 5 mile loop-West S.C. trail and Duck pond.  It was a nice easy run. I went a little later at like 9:30 and the sun was so bright!  I need to wear sunscreen and sunglasses next time.  Hope was a happy camper and took a little nap for the last 25 minutes or so.

I ran a mile with Liora...she is doing great!  She did the first .5 mile at an 8:30 pace, then we walked about a .25 mile and did a quick pace for the last .25.

Liora said she'd watch Hope so I could run more so I did the Northern Lakes out and back.  Tried to keep the first half (2.5 mi) under 8's and the second half under 7's.  I stuck to that pretty good and averaged a 7 min. mile for the 5 miles.

It was a beautiful, cool, crisp morning.  I felt great despite the 4 hours of sleep I got!  I need to nap today and get a good nights sleep tonight because I'm running 20 with Christi tomorrow morning before we leave for Detroit!  I hope I get some runs in while I'm there...it would be nice to take the running stroller, but just too much space...at least the hotel has a gym!

So, we were in Detroit.  I know it is a miniscule amount of miles, but we had jet lag!  I did 2 800's at a 6:00 min. pace and did the eliptical for awhile.  Did some weights too.

We were in Vegas for this run.  We just ran around the hotel, up and down a big staircase like 4-5 times.  The scenery was pretty...can't beat the JW Marriott on the company's dime!

Ran a mile with Liora and the kiddos.  It was stop and go.  As we returned, Craig arrived home early from work!  So I went another 4.25...it was windy, I was feeling stressed and worn down, so I went pretty slow.

Completed Christi's long run before her race in 2 weeks!  I hope she recovers well for her race.  I don't feel like a very good trainer...sorry Christi!  Next marathon, we'll do some speed work, I'll run you to the ground and we'll do ALL our long runs!  Sorry about your blisters!  Hope they heal before SLC!!!

Rode the bike for 30 minutes while reading my book.  Not much of a workout, but felt good to loosen up my legs after Saturday.

Ran a pretty quick 3.1 miles, mostly so I could get back in time for Craig to leave.  I like running on a time crunch because it makes me run faster:)  I'm not putting in a lot of miles though.  Not too concerned about that, not really training for anything at the moment.  I feel good, other than going off 4 hours of sleep.  I've gotta do something about that...

Rode a sweet bike at the new gym on campus.  It was a serious workout.  Simulation of a trailrun with a screen in front of you with other bikers/scentery/elevation, etc.  It was awesome!  Rode for about 35 min. while Craig lifted and pushed Hope around in the stroller.

Have I ever felt less like running? No.  Glad that I made myself do it, but struggled every step.  I think I have something viral.  Not sleeping much either...

I'm just guessing, I know one day I did Liora's mile then 4 mi. after.

We were camping in Sedona this weekend.  It was so fun! But no running for me.  

I think this was the day I tried to get Criag to pick me up:( Ridiculous!

I should have worn my Garmin on this run.  I really don't know how far it is.  Maria and I ran T-bird trail loop.  Ran for 32 min.  Hard going up, not so bad back down.

1 mile with Liora.  Ran to monster mosque hill and did it X1.  Next time I'll do repeats.  I had to get back for Addy's parent teacher conf.  It is exactly 3.5 mi. from here to the top and back.

I'm back!  I'm going to back track and try and guess how much I ran in the last 2 weeks.  I didn't do a whole lot, but I did some running!

This stupid virus or whatever it is is finally leaving my body.  I can't believe it lasted 2 weeks.  Poor Hope still has it.  It was 1 miserable week of fatigue, weakness, coughing, congestion, sore throat, no voice, trouble breathing, tired, weak, headaches, insomnia, fatigue, did I mention groggy?  Wow, it was miserable.  I remember 1 day I went out to run and made it as far as the library (.5mile) and just turned around and came back because I didn't think I could go any farther.  Another day I went out for a run and I had my cell phone...2 miles into it I called Craig and told him to come pick me up, he didn't, so I had to run the 2 miles back home.  I can't believe it was that bad!  

However, last week it was a little better, I was still congested and coughing some, but I felt much better. So I did one day of trail running with Maria (that was so fun!). Another day I ran the Mosque monster hill for the 1st time since living here (why I waited so long, I don't know)  it wasn't as hard to access as I thought, you do have to run down a freeway exit ramp, but that part is just short. Then, for my birthday I got a new running stroller.  Yippee!!!  It is so nice, it's a Phil&Teds double and I love it!  I took the girls for a run today in it, it was heavy with both girls, but what a smoooth ride!  We did the skunk trail 5 mi. loop.  Addy and I talked the whole way.  It's nice having her in the back seat, I can hear her at such close proximity.  Hope seemed to enjoy herself too!

So, we are packing and moving this week, but I'm going to do my best to run run run.  I feel like I gotta get back in shape! Cya. 

I was a beautiful day.  I felt awesome, it felt really good to pick up my pace and run to music...I ran to Craigs list, "Dance Friender Dance," "Are we human, or are we runner?"   I ran a route I used to run with Meagan, parallel to skunk trail, then along the wall-out and back.

I am going to miss AZ.  Today was a run down memory lane. I thought of all the runs I've done since living here.  When I first moved here and ran with Meagan... dying in the heat and going without water!  She started the MWU running club.  It was awesome to get up and have a group to run with 3 days a week.  She was a great motivator.  Then running with Cami.  She and I had similar pace and goals.  We trained for St George together.  I remember doing mile repeats with her at the track...doing our long runs on the skunk trail out and back out and back.....  Then one year I trained with Cameron, he was doing the Logan marathon.  We would do late night runs starting at 9-10pm. One year I trained with Taya while she was training for Ogden.  For awhile a group of us girls on campus ran together....most were just beginners --it was fun to see them progress to run 3 miles. Then there was Christi and Liora.  I was supposedly their trainer.  I don't think I should do it professionally.  Christi did finish her marathon and did great!  She only had two months of training and had never ran more than a 10K..I'm very proud of her!  Liora is working toward her 5K, she'll do it!  

I'll miss running at Arrowhead Lakes, skunk trail, utopia.  The weather here is perfect nearly 9 months out of the year.  What am I going to do in Detroit?  I'm glad to have this blog.  You are all my virtual running partners.  You motivate and inspire me.  Thank you!

I ran out and back on Utopia.  It literally is utopia, the beautiful tree lined streets, golf courses, parks, people out running/walking, little traffic.  I should have ran there more!

I didn't feel super today like I did yesterday.  I had a harder time picking up my pace.  But it was nice.  The weather couldn't be better.  It was cool and shady.  I'm really going to miss this place!

I'm looking forward to running in St. George for several weeks before we head to Detroit.  It'll be fun to run with family and friends:) 

Ran northern lakes out and back.  Fun to catch up with Christi about the marathon!

Ran with Craig.  Pushed Hope.  Cemetary loop

Ran Jacob Hamblin trail out and back.

Entrada loop. Dad, Greg, Travis, Craig and I.

Did an evening run with mom and Kay, 4 more miles. 

Grand Canyon

Evening run with mom and Kay.  Lava Flow out and back

Ran sunbrook with Craig and Travis.

Ran 6.5 with Travis (SB out n back), then Craig and I went 4 more to get in 10.  Craig is trying to decide whether or not to run the Provo marathon....we shall see.

We completed our long run on Oahu.  It was beautiful the first and last 5 miles.  We did an out and back course going along the beach, then around Diamondhead crater, then more along the beach.  The middle 10 were inland highway miles and much more difficult.  Craig felt ok til mile 14 then hit a bit of a rough spot.  He made it through....still deliberating the marathon.  We shall see.  I think he should do it, he'll do awesome!

Ran same route as our long run.  We got to run with fab Amber!  Thanx for running Amber-it was fun!  And no better place to run than in Hawaii!  However, our eyes were opened to the "night life," which extends to the early morning hours on Waikiki....good thing we had our bodyguard Craig running with us.  We may have gotten solicited for a whopping $10...unless 10 fingers is code for $10,000.  It's a good thing we weren't wearing our high heels!

Ran same route in Hawaii.  Didn't make it quite as far--I had a plane to catch to come home to my cuties!  

We are in Phoenix for a week for Craig's graduation!  Craig did 21 miles today....17 in the AZ heat and 4 on the treadmill.  I cheered him on on the treadmill while I worked Holly's Versaclimber for 40 min.

I'm proud of Craig!  He's doing a great job training for this marathon. 

Craig and I did a hill workout this morning.  We did a 1.5 mile warm-up, then ran up and down Roberts hill.  I did it 6 times (.54 mi up&down).  Craig did it 10 times!  I tried to push it going up, but I think I could've done better.  I was a speedster coming down though!

After the workout Craig twisted his ankle stepping off a curb.  DANG IT!  I think I'm more distraught  than he is.  He signed up for the marathon and is planning to do it in 1 week.  I hope he heals!

It's a new week, hopefully I can get more running in this week, although life isn't getting any less crazy as we near our date to move to Detroit.  We are going to Vegas tomorrow and Wednesday, to Cedar Wed-Fri, to Provo Fri-Sat.  Craig probably won't be running much (if at all) with his ankle.  It's still pretty swollen and bruised, poor guy! He has a good attitude though!

My run this morning felt wonderful.  It was invigorating, fun, beautiful, and a little strenuous at times.  I ran about 5 with my mom and Liisa on the dirt roads through Santa Clara farms.  When we got back, my dad and Shadow were just getting ready to go so I joined them on the trails of the south hills.  It was good spending time with dad.  It was nice to be away from traffic out in the hills.  The trail is really nice.  A lot of up hill on the way out, but we made good time on the way back.  A great start for the week!

Ran the bottom part of the canyon with running group.  It was fun to run with Amber, as always:)

Did my own run starting at 10AM.  It was a little warm but I felt great.  Whenever I run alone, I always find myself going toward the Hamblin trail and the cemetery.  It makes me happy to run up there.  It gives me the opportunity to visit Mitchell's grave and ponder the important things in life.  Thank goodness for running or my pondering would be minimal:)

I ran the Utah County marathon as Craig's #1 fan.  I didn't really plan on running the whole thing, but when they let me on the bus (despite not being signed up for the race) I determined to stick with Craig and be his motivator.  We ran a nice pace the 1st half and we had fun visiting.  We did 8's and 9's.  Then we hit 13 and slowed a little.  I left my cell phone in the port a pot at mile 14 and had to go back to get it!  That was crappy:)  That mile took me an extra 5-6 minutes at least!  But I caught him at around 16 and he was starting to struggle.  He had been favoring his swollen ankle and that resulted in some serious quad pain.  He was discouraged, and  a little mad so I was trying to motivate him and get his mind off the pain.  Well, he hated people passing him at that point so I flipped this guy off that passed us (discreetly)...it made Craig laugh and smile, so I guess I did my job!  We slowed down quite a bit the last 1/2, but I enjoyed myself.  Craig was hurting and discouraged with his time, but I was proud of him.  He did awesome considering his obstacles.  We finished in 4 hrs 26 min.  I didn't cross the finish line...I ran to get the camera in the car.  It doesn't really count as a marathon for me, just a really really really long run:)

Great job Craig, Amber, Travis, Annaca, Ally, Laura, Bob!!!  You all did awesome! 

It feels like Monday!  We just got back from a mountain retreat and today was my first run for the week.  We did a little hiking on the mountain, but nothing real strenuous. 

My mom, dad, Kaely, and I ran to the sc ball fields and back.  It was a beautiful morning and the legs felt great!  I am a little fatigued after getting only 4 hours of sleep.  I may go crawl back into bed:)

i am blogging this from my blackberry on our trek across. the country. I've spent a good chunk of time wondering how/when I'm going to run. Ill be nannying, taking care of my 2 and I'll be husbandless. I'm sure itll work out.

So Fri we ran 14 with mom, Liisa, Kaely, Jackie, Lauren. It felt awesome. Got an extra 1.5 running back to Lauren.

I'll miss running in southern Utah!

Well we made it to our new home. We've staying in a hotel because our stuff hasn't arrived yet. I ran on the treadmill and did some speed work. It was really hard but felt awesome. 6x800 @ 6:07 pace

Ran with mom and Lauren, pushed all three girls. Hot out. A really long 3.5

Mom and I ran and pushed just Summer. Laurs stayed with other girls. Nice run.

Ui just completed one of the most beautiful runs ive ever done. We went to Kensington park-it was breathtaking! Craig and I ran the 1st 4.5 together pushing the girls, we alternated him pushing up the hills and me on the down.they stopped when we got to the beach! The lake has an 8.5 mi trail around it and I did it twice plus .5 mi extra (had to run back to get addys swimsuit). I tried to keep my pace under 8 after the 1st 4.5. I think I averaged about 7:30s. I would love to do all my long runs there. The only problem is that its 30 min away. I felt great the whole run til the lady 1.5 I got a little sluggish. Btw, thanks amber for the training schedule! I'm a little off but its nice to have a pace goal. I'm hoping to do my next 3 long runs in UT so we need to get together!

Oh, it's grand to have the internet!  Soon I will blog pictures of our new place on our family blog.  Looks like we're here to stay!

I joined LA fitness this morning!  I think it will greatly improve my training.  I'm really excited about it.  It's an extremely nice facility with a lap pool, tons of classes, kid care, great treadmills, etc.  Plus, it takes 6 minutes to get there, only 3 minutes to get home (due to the Michigan Left-you can't turn left in this place, it's driving me crazy!  You have to always turn right before you turn left.  If you want to experience it, come on over to Michigan!)

So, I ran 7 on the treadmil at 7:47 pace, gradually worked to 7:13 pace by the end.  I showered at the gym and I think that will really expidite my getting ready time, as the kids are being watched at Kids corner!  The pace felt great.  My legs a little stiff and tired from yesterday, but overall a good run (as good as treadmill running gets!)

So I didn't really run today, I just did some upper body lifting and spent 10 minutes on the eliptical before Kids corner closed.  I don't know if those miles count as running miles, but I put 'em anyways:)

I'm so glad I decided to run out doors today. I had to bundle hope up and wear long sleeves to start out at 4 pm! It was cool and nice. I ran to try and find a back route to the gym in case I ever want to run there. I found a couple of ways that I could go.  Plus I discovered Square Lake,  I ran along it for awhile before heading back home.  I planned on doing 8, but 7 with the stroller was plenty for me.

I did the tempo run that was on my schedule for today.  This is how it went:

I warmed up a mile, then started my pace at 6:35.  1/2 way into it I decided I would just do 3 miles instead of 5 if I did a sub-20 5K.  As I neared 3 miles I thought I was going to make it, easy.  Well, that dang 0.1 mile was a lot farther than I thought.  I was at 19:35 at 3 miles so I kept upping the pace to try and get 19:59 or less.  3.1 hit right at 20:00 exactly. Dang!  I had to stop then to change a diaper, then back up to do 2 more miles.  I did them at a 6:30 pace, then cooled down a mile.  I felt pretty good running at that pace.  I should've just gone a bit faster to start out with on my 5K. Oh well, next time.

I decided to do a semi-long run instead of 18 since I'll be in St. George in a few days to get my fill of long runs (hopefully).

So I ran this trail I've been wanting to try out.  At 7:30pm on the 4th of July I didn't think many people would be on the trail, but there were a few, mostly bikers.  The start of the trail was in a rougher part of town.  Craig dropped me off and we planned to meet at a park 4 miles up.  I took my pepper spray just in case and was glad I did!  I ran into a group of hoodlums  and the spray gave me the security I needed to keep running and not just turn around and sprint back the other way!  The farther north I got, the better the trail and the less scary it became.  So, I made it to Craig with a little adrenaline running through me.  We then decided to meet at the next park another 5 miles up the trail.  Well, 5 went by and I never saw a park, so I went another mile, still no park.  This was a problem because Craig didn't have his cell phone.  I didn't know where I was or what I was going to do.  I thought I'd just hang out on the trail about where we were going to meet and see if he showed up.  After about 10 min. of planning my next move to find my way home, he called me!  He borrowed some Michigander's phone and located me. Phew! Maybe next time I'll just run close to home.  The trail was nice though...maybe I'll go back...later. When I get a taser.

Went to the gym today...so much easier with the girls.  I wanted to mix it up a little so I did the stair master for 30 minutes. That was hard.  I'm not sure how they calculate miles, but it said on there I did 3.9...I''ll take it!  Then I did some abs and push ups followed by 3.3 (7:30, 7:30, 6:18, cool) more on the treadmill, then another 2 sets of abs and push ups.  

So, Braden was supposed to come home from his mission last night, but flights were delayed and he didn't get home today until 430pm!  So we did a run this morning to pass the time.  Lava Ridge trail.

We hiked sand hill at lake Powell 4 times, so I'm giving myself 4 miles.  Probably not very accurate, but someone said it, so I'm doin it!

Did our long run starting at Brookside, up to Central, then back down SR18 and Snow Canyon.  Beautiful, fast, fun run with Amber and Kari!  I had a bit of a belly ache at the end so it was hard to go too fast down the super steep hills without it getting too painful.

Thanks Amber for getting up extra early (um yeah, 2:40) to come pick me up at the bottom!  You are so nice!! I'm so glad I got to run with you!

Avg. pace: 7:50 

My mom was up with Hope late into the night so she decided not to run.  I felt awful guilty, but I went running with Liisa and Kay and had a great time!  Stimulating conversation makes the run go by in no time!

Sun Brook loop. 

We got up early (5am) to do Snow Canyon.  Dallin, Braden, Lauren and my parents came.  Also, Kay, Liisa, Cass, Katie, Maddie, Jackie...and probably others.  It was fun!

Dallin and I ran together up, we averaged 9:23's.  Poor Dal upchucked at the top.

Then we cruised back down.  Our average for the whole run was 7:50.  

I will miss this run!  I love the sunrise on the red and white cliffs. 

I can't really say these miles were easy, but they were pretty slow.  We went at night and it was hot!  Plus, I ate a lot today. Oh, and I pushed Hope in a non-running stroller for about 3 miles.  But it felt much better at the end and I was happy to get some miles in!

I love this race!  I didn't do a lot of mental preparation but decided the morning of the race that I'd shoot for a PR...specifically 1:30.  I did a 1:32 at Provo River, then again at Virgin to Hurricaine, so I definitely wanted to beat that time.

I started out much quicker than I usually do.  I typically take it fairly easy the first few miles of a long race to warm up.  But Amber, Kari, and I ran just over a mile beforehand which I think really helped.  I wanted to catch up to Amber and run with her if I could, so I caught her at mile 2, just before the steep downhill, but I just couldn't hang.  I could see her up ahead of me most of the race though...so I knew I must be improving! Thanks Amber, you helped me keep a good pace.

I kept all my miles below 6:50 which shocked the heck out of me.  Halfway through I thought, "I don't think I can maintain this pace." But I did, and was very happy with my finishing time.  It was a beautiful day in a beautiful place.  It was fun to have the whole fam there too!  All of my siblings and my parents ran the race.  Everyone did awesome.  The girls in the family all medaled!  Sweet! 

upper body lifting. rode bike for 30 min.

I went to a spin class at the gym.  Felt good to push it. Warmed up half mile on the treadmill.

Had a few big wammies  this week making it difficult to run.

I know it was supposed to be a long run this weekend, but when I found out that this race was right by my house I couldn't pass it up!  

I ran from my house to the high school where the race started then did another mile on the track.  It was a good 4 mile warm-up.

The website said not to plan on a PR since it was such a hilly race.  But the winning time last year was 48 minutes and I thought I could at least get that...I hoped.

Well, the race started and so did the rain, and so did the hills. It was just a light rain to begin with, then about half way through, it really started coming down.  It was beautiful and refreshing.  The hills were steep, but mostly short.  They didn't bother me too much,  I made up for them on the downhills.

I felt good, I probably could've pushed a little harder...oh well.  I finished 4th over all (bummer...the top 3 got cash!) and 1st in my age. 

The coolest part was meeting some super fast folks at the awards ceremony.  Their little girl was playing with Hope and we got talking.  The husband ran in the Atlanta olympics and can do a 5K in 13 something!  He also runs his mile sub 4! His wife is a international cross-country champion (top 10) and does a 5K in 15 something!  WOW!  I was so impressed. 

I hope I find more races around here.  It was fun!

Went to the gym with Craig in the evening.  I got burned out of running on the treadmill after only a couple of miles so I mixed it up and walked on it at a 15% grade for awhile then rode the bike next to Craig for another 3 miles.

30 on eliptical and 30 on the treadmill.  

ave 7:30 pace 

OK, so I have been running a little- but life has taken a turn for the busier.  I am nannying a 6 month and that on top of my 2 makes things interesting:)  Also, now that I am the big "P" I'm little sick and tired at times.

The gym is my sanctuary and my break!  I love Kids Korner!   I love showering there and relaxing for a minute before it's back to bottles and diapers.  If I have a frustrating morning, it's all the better at the gym...I tend to run harder and feel better.

So today I eliptilized for 30 min and lifted lower body for 15 min.  I wish I could have gotten there a little earlier.  K.K closes at noon and I have to leave time for my shower, or I don't get one! 

I have a running partner! Mary is awesome.  Her neighborhood is great for running too....I might just have to move there.

avg pace: 9:12 

Ok, I feel like I  can refocus and be a runner again!  Craig's schedule this month is great! He doesn't have to go in until 10 AM, which gives me a chance to run in the good outdoors.  How refreshing!

Ran out & back course along Lahser.  Beautiful foggy morning.  Got better the farther I went.

Avg pace: 9:21 

Oh, I've just been reading others' posts and became homesick for the running blog.

My explanation: 

I'm pregnant.  Ok, ok- I know I can't use that as an excuse...I'm using it as an excuse for everything these days.  "We're going out to dinner, why?...I'm pregnant!  No dinner?  Why? I'm pregnant!  Dishes in the sink? I'm pregnant!! 

I could use busy as an excuse, and the fact that sadly I DON'T RUN MUCH:( ...

But,  I just wanted to recap what I've been up to and HOPEFULLY I'll jump back on the wagon come March, or April....depending when this sweet little DUDE comes along.

I did train, and run the St. George Marathon with my ENTIRE FAMILY!!!  It was awesome!  It was also great running with my dad (almost) the whole way.  I finished just under 4:00.

Also, last weekend I ran a 1/2 marathon with some friends here in Michigan.  It was awesomely awesome!  The race was on Mackinac Island and absolutely breathtaking! I got my PO (personal offense) of 2:11.  

I'm afraid my running will be short and slow for the next 4 months.  I plan to hit the gym 3-5 days a week and hopefully get some social runs in on the weekends (weather and husband schedule permitting).   After that I want to hit it hard for St. George 2011.  It will be my 10th St. George and I hope to break my PR (3:15).  

I love reading all your inspiring words.  You are my virtual running partners!